Wike/Atiku feud: Learn from PDP founding fathers, says Bode George, elders

By Adeleye Kunle

FORMER Chief Olabode George, Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, yesterday advised former Jigawa State Governor Alhaji Sule Lamido and other party elders to learn from the pacifist nature of the party’s founding fathers, saying “a divided house is a defeated house.”

George was responding to statements attributed to Lamido in which he chastised Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike for his (Wike’s) attitude toward the party’s presidential candidate for the February 25, 2023 election, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar.

Former Foreign Affairs Minister Lamido described Wike as a “emperor” who demands that things be done his way every time.

Citing the roles of some of the PDP’s founding fathers, such as Chief Solomon Lar, Dr. Alex Ekwueme, Chief Bola Ige (who wrote the party’s constitution), Alhaji Adamu Ciroma, Chief Sunday Awoniyi, and others who did not allow personal interests to overshadow the party’s collective interests, George said: “All these elders, who are late today, were never fixated on their needs or selfish interests.” They had a patriotic attitude. PDP is a very strong brand today because of their patriotism and sacrifice.

“As a result, I urge party leaders, elders, and members to consider the PDP’s overall interests.” The fact that someone has done something unjust or dishonest, whether knowingly or unknowingly, is no excuse for launching a personal attack or acting similarly.

“The APC has completely messed up the country, and Nigerians are looking forward to the PDP taking over in 2023.” As a result, PDP members should not be regarded as enemies of the party or the country. Enough with the direct assaults. Personal attacks should not be used to exacerbate the crisis.

“Before you realize what is going on, some of our party’s enemies will turn it into a North-South issue.” That should be avoided at all costs. If there are any issues, we should sit down and talk about them.

“If anyone is upset, we must appease him.” If Governor Wike feels betrayed by the outcome of the primaries, in which Alhaji Atiku Abubakar emerged as our presidential candidate, we must beg him. We need his vote, as well as the votes of Rivers residents.

“Whether we like it or not, Governor Wike is a valuable member of this party.” We must not do or say anything that will drive him away from the group. Political opponents are already plotting how to oust Governor Wike from our party, but I can assure Nigerians that he is not leaving the PDP.

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